I guess because the car would appear to be non-functional rather than deliberately disabled, i.e. the engine would choke and splutter but would not take you far.

Also, in some jurisdictions the car is not considered "stolen" until it has physically moved.

If the engine can move the vehicle just a centimeter before stalling under the load, then the vehicle is stolen for legal purposes and that has effects on reporting to the police, insurance for broken windows or valuables missing, and even crime statistics if the OP is thinking long term. It also might enable the OP to file a complaint with his HOA, who may be responsible for ensuring that the parking lot is better protected.

> Also, in some jurisdictions the car is not considered "stolen" until it has physically moved.

Leading to the hilarious situation that a thief who couldn't get my car moving was charged, not with theft, but criminal trespass.

Why not just live in a place where you don't have to assume that meth heads are going to try to steal your possessions?

Maybe they take the RV on the road and the routes to various destinations are not entirely through safe areas.

"Let them eat cake"